Design Discovery.
Unlocking Your Home's Potential
Start your design journey with absolute clarity. A preliminary master-planning service to eliminate the guesswork, ease the overwhelm, and map out exactly what is possible for your site.
Should we renovate, extend or rebuild?
Is it better to build up or extend at ground level?
Is this property worth buying?
Can this site be subdivided or further developed?
What's the best long-term strategy for our acreage?
Where do we start?
The hardest part of any build is knowing where to begin.
You don't need a full set of architectural plans right now.
You need a roadmap.
The Design Discovery is the Perfect First Step For...
The Existing Homeowner: You know it’s time to renovate, extend, or rebuild, but the options feel overwhelming. You need a definitive roadmap and clear direction on the best pathway forward before committing to a full design process.
The Prospective Buyer: You are looking to purchase a property and want an expert to uncover its true architectural potential—and highlight any hidden limitations or red flags—before you sign the contract.
The Big-Picture Planner: You have an ambitious vision for your home, but you can't do it all at once. You need a cohesive, long-term masterplan that allows you to confidently stage the work over the next 5 to 10 years, ensuring every dollar spent today supports tomorrow’s vision.
What’s Included.
Every site is unique, so we tailor the discovery process to your exact needs. Your package will typically include:
Strategic Masterplanning: High-level layout possibilities and options (e.g., Alteration vs. New Build).
Site & Constraint Analysis: Uncovering the hidden opportunities in your zoning, block orientation, and natural landscape.
Visual Direction: Exploratory hand-sketches to help you visualize the spatial flow and architectural forms.
Budget & Feasibility Guidance: Realistic advice on construction costs, project phasing, and how to maximise your investment.
Clear Next Steps: A defined pathway forward, whether you proceed with our Full Services or take time to consider your options.
Elanora Heights Alterations & Additions
Every successful project starts with a clear strategy.
Design Discovery is a standalone service designed to help you make informed decisions before committing to a full design process.
Together we'll explore your goals, budget, site opportunities, planning considerations and potential constraints, giving you the clarity and confidence to move forward with your project.
Ready to take the next step?
Every project is unique. Tell us a little about your project and we'll be in touch to discuss whether Design Discovery is the right starting point for you.
Learn more about Directors Nicola & Maira
FAQs.
What is Design Discovery?
Design Discovery is a feasibility and project planning service designed to help you understand what is possible before investing in a full design process.
We review your goals, budget, site constraints and opportunities, and discuss potential pathways for the project. Depending on the project, this may include site analysis, master planning, planning advice, budget guidance, review of existing or proposed plans, hand sketches and preliminary layout options.
The focus is not on producing a resolved design, but on helping you make informed decisions about the best way forward.
What do I get as part of Design Discovery?
Every project is different, so the scope is tailored to your needs. Depending on the project, Design Discovery may include:
Review of your goals, brief and budget
Site opportunities and constraints analysis
Planning and approval pathway advice
Review of existing or proposed plans
Feasibility advice and strategic recommendations
Hand sketches and preliminary layout ideas
Master planning for acreage properties
Identification of potential risks and opportunities
Recommended next steps
The outcome is a clearer understanding of what is possible, what challenges may need to be addressed and the best way to move forward.
How long does Design Discovery take?
The timeframe depends on the complexity of the project and the level of investigation required.
Simple desktop reviews can often be completed within a few days, while more complex feasibility studies involving site visits, planning investigations or multiple options may take several weeks.
Most Design Discovery projects are completed within 1–4 weeks from commencement. We will provide an indicative timeframe when preparing your proposal.
What happens after Design Discovery?
At the end of the process, you will have a clearer understanding of your project's opportunities, constraints and next steps.
Some clients proceed to Concept Design with us, while others use the information to refine their brief, engage consultants or simply take time to consider their options.
There is no obligation to proceed beyond Design Discovery.
Can you tell me if my idea is feasible?
Yes.
One of the key benefits of Design Discovery is understanding what may or may not be possible before investing significant time and money into design and approvals.
While we cannot guarantee approval outcomes, we can identify likely opportunities, constraints and risks based on our experience.
Can you provide budget advice?
Yes.
We can discuss likely construction costs, project complexity and factors that may impact your budget. While detailed cost planning occurs later in the process, Design Discovery can help establish whether your aspirations align with your budget.
Can you review plans prepared by a builder or draftsperson?
Yes.
Many clients engage us to review plans prepared by builders, building designers or previous consultants.
We can provide independent architectural advice on functionality, planning considerations, design quality, future flexibility and overall project strategy.
How much does Design Discovery cost?
Every project is different. Some clients simply need a desktop review of an existing floor plan, while others require a detailed feasibility study involving site analysis, planning investigations and the exploration of multiple options.
Most Design Discovery services range between $2,000 and $8,000, depending on the complexity of the project and the level of investigation required.
Following an initial conversation, we will recommend the most appropriate scope and provide a fixed fee proposal.
Is Design Discovery suitable for acreage properties?
Yes.
Acreage projects often involve unique opportunities and constraints relating to access, outbuildings and future land use.
Design Discovery can help establish a clear strategy and master plan before moving into design.
